A Day of Heart and Memories

A dubious distinction is given to this week's portion, T'tzaveh. From the beginning of Exodus, through Leviticus and Numbers, and until the beginning of Deuteronomy, in every parashah Moses is mentioned by name, EXCEPT for parasha T'tzaveh. Not only is Moses not mentioned by name in this portion, but the Torah even goes out of its way NOT to mention Moses by name. In fact, three times Moses is addressed with the word v’atah–“and you”. This is akin to "hey you" in today's parlance. Why avoid Moses' name, and why now?


The answers to these questions are peeking at us just around the corner in next week's parashah, Ki Tissa. In Exodus 32:1, the people panicked when Moses delayed on the mountain top. They feared he had abandoned them or he had died, and they did not know how to be a people without Moses. This is when they decided to build the golden calf. Thirty-one verses later, we read Moses pleading to G!d on their behalf to forgive them their sin of worshiping the golden calf, saying, “And now, if You will but forgive their sin–but if not, erase me, please, from Your book that You have written” (32:32).

But we're a bit ahead of ourselves in next week's parshah. Let's return our focus to the Moses-name-free portion of T'tzaveh.

This portion continues a very detailed description of the most minute instructions of the portable wilderness sanctuary, the Mishkan. The artisans who craft the Tabernacle and the menorah are also given instructions to craft the clothing for the priests.

Exodus chapter 28 describes, in great detail, the priestly vestments. There was a main garment which was tunic-like (called an ephod in Hebrew), made of colorful yarns. There were shoulder pads, bands, and a breast-piece inlaid with twelve precious stones, each stone engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes. In describing the function of these engravings, the Torah emphasizes the words “remembrance,” zikaron and “heart,” lev. Zikaron v'lev: remembrance and heart.

In biblical times, the heart was understood to be the center of intention, not what we know as the mushy Valentine's Day type emotion.

So we wonder, Why was the breast-plate set with stones which were engraved with the names of the twelve tribes? Was it decorative in function?

Decorative, for sure, but not only that. Aaron, in his duties as high priest of the Mishkan, was to be aware of the entire community, all twelve tribes, accompanying him whenever he enters the sanctuary, when he crosses the threshold between ordinary and sacred space. His work, his avodah, is not only for himself; he carries the people with him.

Moses and Aaron were both leaders, and they took their leadership responsibilities seriously. Moses takes his so seriously that in Ki Tissa, he asks that if the people are not forgiven their transgression, that his name be the one wiped out of the Torah, not theirs. And so T'tzaveh avoids speaking Moses' name.

In similar manner, Aaron takes his responsibility so seriously that he dares not enter the Mishkan without bringing all the people with him.

Remembrance and heart. Sometimes, remembrance and heart can be heavy, but we must continue. We must carry with us more than only ourselves.

This can be a real challenge. Mothers carry their children in their hearts until the end of time. Clergy carry their communities. Military officers carry their entire troops with them in every decision they make and command they give. Our pets carry us in their hearts and memories, as do those who deeply love us.

Over the weekend, I was able to give tangible remembrance and heart to my fairy garden. It holds items that connect my heart and my memories to my dear Peaches, who died too young in 2014, and Cady, who lived a very long life and died at the end of December.

Heart and memory. They are so powerful that they are built into every Jewish holy day and important observance. Heart and memory were built into the Mishkan and the priestly vestments.


Today, what/who is it you carry in your memories, and also in your heart?

Take a few minutes to think how your heart and memories have encouraged you, and find someone to whom you can express your appreciation.

Let's transform Valentine's Day by expanding it into a day of Zicharon v'Lev, and let it encourage us to continue to carry others with us in our hearts and memories.